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Highlands Today

A New Development

Kathy Waters/Highlands Today

Kendall Ogg, owner of Mid-Florida Grading and Concrete, Inc., smooths out the foundation of a 4,100 sq. ft. home on Wednesday at the new Highland Lakes Reserve.

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By Bill Rogers | Highlands Today

Published: November 18, 2007

SEBRING — Shelagh Byatt is not going to let a slowdown in residential construction deter her.

The certified residential contractor with Indigo Builders of Lake Placid Inc. has started work on two large spec homes in Highland Lakes Reserve on Sparta Road in Sebring. They are the first two homes under construction in the upscale gated community located about one-quarter mile from State Road 66 and about three miles from U.S. 27.

"Life is a gamble; business is a gamble," Byatt said. "But one has to put the best foot forward and go with the plan.

"We can't sit still through the present day problems of the construction industry," she added.

Highland Lakes is a unique community. Homes must be a minimum of 2,600 square feet and lots are at least one acre.

"We specialize in large acreage subdivisions," said Barbara Nolan of FL Land Partners, an Orlando-based land company.

In addition, an architectural review committee will be established that will review house plans as well as how the property will be landscaped prior to pulling permits.

Paul Henderson, land consultant with FL Land Partners, said the goal with the committee is to be consistent.

"We do not want to degrade the value of somebody else's property," Henderson said. "It will be good for the community and good for people."

A total of 29 parcels have been sold so far.

The 630-acre development has 166 parcels with estate lots ranging from one to five acres. Lot prices start at $99,900.

"With a new community, within city limits , underground utilities, close to a major east-west artery, it just seemed to be an advantageous location to start a couple of spec houses," Byatt said.

The homes Byatt is building both have two stories to take advantage of the view of lakes Charlotte and Ruth. Construction is expected to be completed in the early spring of 2008.

The Kennedy – the name was picked by the draftsman Byatt is working with – is 4,743 square feet with three bedrooms and four baths.

The Baywood, which has 3,755 square feet, has three bed rooms and 2 1/2 baths.

Both have side-entry garages and a study/office.

The price range is $400,000 to $500,000 and that includes the lots, according to Byatt.

Byatt's background is in the insurance business, and she was a real estate agent prior to receiving her contractor's license.

Byatt, who has operated Indigo Builders since 1994, said she worked closely with contractors and "not really approving of the manner" in which they were serving the customer. She believed she could be more customer friendly and flexible and noted that way of thinking have been beneficial.

"Building a home is not just like buying a car or a pair of shoes," she said. "You've got to have someone that is prepared to have patience to permit you to incorporate your own personal wants and ideas within your home.

"While I can appreciate the problems of moving exterior walls, it is very easy to move
interior walls," she added. "So what's the big problem."

Hall of Famer and former Miami Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino is a spokesman for FL Land Partners.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held at Highland Lakes last month.

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